ElSaegh M

I am a conscientious, enthusiastic, and professional doctor with excellent, up to consultant-level equivalent experience in Cardiothoracic Surgery. Overall, I have been the primary operator in 527 adult cardiac cases. I am an independent operator in CABG (including total arterial off-pump CABG) and AVRs, with 88 independent cases. I am confident in off-pump and on-pump, including using mini-bypass. I have audited my surgery outcomes: mortality <0.2% and morbidity is stroke 0.35%, bleeding 0.75%, superficial sternal wound 1% and deep sternal wound infection 0.35%. I have a sub-speciality interest in minimal invasive, valve repair and AF surgeries. I have been awarded the SCTS Ionescu for Non-NTN to develop my surgery skills. I made use of this by arranging a valve repair fellowship with Mr Lansac in France. I have also completed a 1year post-CCT complex aortic fellowship at the Bristol Heart Institute. I was also awarded an EACTS AF Fellowship and will be completing a 6-week fellowship for AF ablation and minimal invasive surgery, including TT maze and convergent AF ablation with Mr Steven Hunter. I am very passionate about patient safety and an excellent patient experience throughout their treatment and recovery, and this is always a key focus in my care delivery. I have received patient, and colleague feedback saying that I am a great team player, kind and considerate to all, manage stress well, thinks and works logically and concisely, and exhibits excellent leadership skills.

I graduated in Medicine in 2006 from Ain Shams University, Cairo, with Distinction. I commenced my surgical training and obtained my MSc in General Surgery. After developing an interest in cardiothoracic surgery, I began my career in this speciality. After achieving the core surgical skills for cardiothoracic surgery, I worked in congenital and heart failure cardiac surgery, gaining substantial exposure to this field. I also commenced my MD with Thesis in Cardiothoracic Surgery, which I later achieved with Merit in 2013.

In 2012, I relocated to the United Kingdom, where I worked in Newcross Hospital, Wolverhampton, for six months as a trust fellow (SpR). After which, I achieved a clinical fellow (SpR) role at James Cook University Hospital, where I worked for just under four years. I obtained FRCS CTh and the European Board for Cardiothoracic Surgery during this period. I gained considerable experience and excellent training and became an independent operator for basic cardiac and thoracic procedures such as CABG, aortic valve replacement, and anatomical lung resections, with outstanding outcomes. I got extensive exposure to minimally invasive mitral valve repairs, minimally invasive aortic valve replacements, and aortic root surgery. I subsequently developed a particular interest in minimal invasive surgeries and valve repair and ensured maximum exposure to this field. Additionally, I developed an excellent baseline of management and leadership skills, such as registrar admin and the link between registrar colleagues, management, nursing staff, and the consultant body.

To gain further experience in aortic and off-pump surgery, I moved to Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital. I worked alongside the aortic team and got extensive exposure to complex aortic surgery, including thoracoabdominal and aortic arch repair with the frozen elephant trunk. During this time, I was (supervised) primary operator in basic aortic surgeries and parts of complex aortic surgery, such as FET. Following this, I gained significant exposure to off-pump surgery and mitral valve repair and became an independent operator in total arterial off-pump surgery.

I then moved to the Royal Papworth Hospital to gain experience in mechanical support of the heart (such as VADs and ECMO), PTE surgery, and transplant services. I worked as a senior clinical fellow and continued as a primary operator in CABGs, AVRs, aortic root surgery, and surgery for ascending aortic dissection. During my time at the Royal Papworth Hospital, I was supported to achieve my CCT, which included doing numerous primary operator cases. I was also involved with the transplant team and carried out independent heart retrievals. I also had excellent exposure to heart failure surgeries and worked closely with the cardiology team. I had the chance to work with world renowned mitral surgeons like Mr Frank Wells and Mr Nashef. 

From this point, I joined St. Bartholomew's Hospital as a senior clinical fellow. I was a primary operator in CABGs, AVRs, aortic root surgery and MVRs. I gained experience in cardiac trauma patients in an emergency setting. I also had specialist training in convergent AF ablation and became a primary operator; I developed a newfound passion and interest in AF surgery. I also focused on writing for publications and presentations during my time here as the Covid-19 pandemic stopped most services.

I worked as the Post-CCT Aortic Fellow at the Bristol Heart Institute for a year. In this role, I was the primary operator and first assistant in major aortic cases, both elective and emergency. These include surgery for ascending aorta and root aneurysm, aortic arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk using Thoraflex, and surgery for acute aortic dissection. I was on-call for aortic emergencies and have performed a few as primary operator. Additionally, I coordinate and run the complex aortic MDT, which involves cardiothoracic surgery, vascular surgery, cardiology, and radiology from this Trust and others. I run the BHI aortic teaching day, and I have written up-to-date SOPs for aortic pathways and am currently conducting aortic audits and writing aortic case studies. Alongside this, I participate in TAVI MDTs and am involved in surgical access TAVI. I plan to enhance my wire skills and TAVI and attend the AF list to continue developing my AF surgery skills. 

Currently, I work as a post CCT fellow at the BHI. In this role , in addition to the previous , I run independent operating lists to cover gaps in consultant’s rota. I’m also the senior reg working for Prof Ascione, which is one of the main mitral surgeons at the BHI.

I have excellent experience in clinical governance by conducting research, audits, risk management, education, patient involvement and staff management. I have individually researched for my MSc and MD, resulting in my awards. I have also participated in critical studies conducted within the cardiothoracic department, such as the Mavric Trial. I have always tried to recognise where services can be improved for patients and the Trust, such as becoming more streamlined, patient-centred or cost-effective and then conduct service-improvement projects.

I am very able at presenting, specifically video presentation and publication, for which I have received four prizes from SCTS and the Journal of Thoracic Disease. I have consistently presented in the SCTS meetings over the past five years and have been an invited speaker and chairperson in the last two meetings. I am a reviewer of abstract submission in the EACTS annual meeting. I also have a significant number of peer-reviewed publications and have contributed to publishing book chapters, including a chapter in Surgical Grays Anatomy on the surgical anatomy of great vessels in the head and neck. Alongside this, I have regularly taken part in formal and informal teaching and teaching by example, as demonstrated above in my application. Further to what I have discussed previously, I have also mentored colleagues to help them pass the FRCS CTh exam. Furthermore, I have conducted appraisal and feedback for junior colleagues, ensuring they received input with a solution-based approach within a supportive environment.

I have conducted my role with openness and honesty throughout my career and always acted with integrity. I have accessed training and courses to ensure my continuing practice development and will continue to do this in the future. I continuously reflect on my practice, always work within my limitations, and ask for constructive feedback from colleagues. I have positive relationships with all MDT members and have always worked collaboratively, and I aim to ensure everyone around me feels supported, welcome and relaxed. I am comfortable working within a team or autonomously when required. I have excellent, adaptable communication skills; I am fluent in English and Arabic. I can manage my workload effectively, prioritising complex demands, ensuring I meet the desired requirements within an appropriate time frame. Furthermore, I can do this whilst providing high-quality care with the patient as a priority.

I obtained CCT in Cardiothoracic Surgery on 01/08/2019 and have worked at consultant-level equivalent whilst focussing on developing my sub-speciality skills. I have a sub-specialist interest in minimal invasive surgery, valve repair and AF surgery. I have the skills, knowledge, and preparation to carry out this role successfully and the ability and personality to fit nicely into a team. I remain passionate and excited about cardiac surgery and patient care and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to utilise what I have learned over my training.

Qualifications: 

I.GCSE, Cambridge, 1999

Bachelor's Degree of Surgery & Internal Medicine with Distinction, Ain Shams University, 2005.

Master's Degree in General Surgery with Merit, Ain Shams University, 2009.

Inter Collegiate M.R.C.S Diploma, 2011.

M.D. with Thesis, Ain Shams University, 2013.

European Board of Cardiothoracic Surgery (FECTS), 2015.

F.R.C.S CTh, 2015.